Fallen Baltimore City Firefighters Honored At Downtown Memorial Service

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — A day of remembrance. Baltimore’s fire department honors the firefighters who died while in action.

As Gigi Barnett reports–this weekend’s ceremony also recognized firefighters who showed extreme bravery in the face of danger.

A single flag hoisted high. It hangs in memory of city firefighters lost over the last year.

“The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away.”

A ceremony at the War Memorial Building in Baltimore marks the occasion.

“He lived and he breathed talking about the fire department,” said Ellestine Grant, firefighter’s widow.

Her husband, Silas Grant, died last year. He was injured several times during his career. Before retiring in 1978, Grant was a trailblazer in the department’s Engine 13.

“He was in one of the first classes of African-Americans in Baltimore in 1956. And, when I was a young kid, I would go to the station and watch him. It made an impact on me,” said Zachary Grant, firefighter’s son.

A total of 52 firefighters were honored this weekend at the memorial service. None died while on duty.

In the last year, the city has not lost any firefighters battling blazes. A badge of honor for many.

“When we do have a firefighter killed, we look at that and we say, ‘why?’ Our number one thing for our officers and all our guys who come to work every day is that everyone goes home safe,” said Lt. Tom Nosek, Baltimore City Fire Department.

For the first time, Anne Arundel County firefighters were honored at the ceremony for the help they provided at a fierce fire scene earlier this year.

Shortly after the memorial service, the city hosted its Medals Day to recognize top firefighters in the department.